March 18th – March 24th is National Poison Prevention Week. In addition to our work keeping poisons out of products, KID participates in awareness campaign such as this to educate caregivers and protect children from poisoning hazards. It can be difficult to keep track of the products that can pose poisoning or ingestion hazards to children. Be aware that these products can pose a risk to your children:

  • Laundry Packets: These small packets of laundry detergent contain a high concentration of chemicals, and child-resistant packaging is not required. These colorful packets resemble candy to small children, so keep them out of sight and reach. Kid has worked with industry and other advocates to make the containers child-resistant and we will continue to push for improved safety measures.
  • Medication: Store medication in child-resistant containers and keep out of reach of children. If you are visiting friends or family, ask them to do the same.
  • Button Batteries: Small button batteries come with many common household products, including greeting cards, remotes, and small toys. These batteries contain toxic chemicals that can leach out into a child’s body if ingested and cause severe internal damage. Check that products containing button batteries have secure battery compartments that can only be accessed with a screwdriver or other tool.
  • Liquid Nicotine and E- Cigarettes: Liquid nicotine often comes in containers and flavors that are appealing to young children, such as apple pie or cotton candy. Unfortunately, child-resistant packaging is not required for liquid nicotine on a federal level. Keep e- cigarettes, refills, and cartridges out of reach and store in child-resistant packaging if possible.
  • Other items: Keep items such as hand sanitizer, cosmetics, nail polish remover, alcohol, plants, car fluids, fertilizers, bug and weed killers, lighter fluids out of reach of children. These common household items can pose hazards to children if ingested.

If you suspect that your child has ingested something poisonous, contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. Once they are out of danger, you can also report incidents of poisoning or ingestion hazards to SaferProducts.gov to help spread the word to other consumers. Be aware that lead also poses a risk to young children. While lead was banned in children’s products in 2008, it can still be found in older toys or in products that don’t meet the standard. Check products against the recall list at CPSC.gov to see if any have been recalled due to ingestion or lead exposure hazards.

Stay up to date on this poison prevention campaign and other product safety issues by signing up for KID’s email alert and following us on Facebook and Twitter.